More than 30 years ago, the results of a single landmark study appeared to indicate that pet owners were more likely to survive for one year following a heart attack than non-owners.  In the ensuing years, continued research has elaborated and expanded upon those original findings, as well as shedding light on some possible mechanisms that could account for the salutary effects of pet ownership on people. This presentation will provide an overview of this developing field and its implications for the ‘One Health’ initiative.

Speaker: James A Serpell, PhD, Director, Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society; Marie A. Moore Professor of Humane Ethics & Animal Welfare Chief, Section of Behavior and Human-Animal Interactions, Ryan Veterinary Hospital, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

The College’s Food & Thought lectures will be presented at noon on the third Wednesday of each month, (except in Novemeber, when it will be held on the second Wednesday) beginning in September of 2012.

A $12.50 registration fee includes lecture and lunch: sandwich (turkey, beef, and vegetarian options available), dessert, and beverage.